Tuning in where it is

[David ilvedson]

John,

You are new to the List and this has been hashed out 
numerous times before.  You can check the archives if you 
like.  I believe the majority of us do tune to A440 on a regular 
basis.  For one thing it is profitable.  For another, a piano up 
to the correct tension will sound far better than one below 
pitch.  But I don't catagorically bring a piano up to pitch.  On 
the rare occasion I come across a beast with string repairs 
already and a 1/2 step below pitch, I may and I might not bring 
it up depending on my inclination.  How has the day been 
going?  Is it late and am I tired?  Replacing strings is not one 
of my favorite things to do when I'm tired.  I charge a flat fee of 
$20.00 for the extra 20 minutes it takes to rough tune one 
pass.  I rarely have anyone complain.  I think the selling of the 
pitch raise has to be a natural part of the initial talk on the 
phone.  No hesitation once the particulars have been relayed 
to the technician.  If it has been a few years, I let them know 
to expect the extra charge.  I think a newer tuner might be 
hesitant to lose an account but it is short sighted and you will 
always lose some potential customers who are shopping 
around.  There is always someone less expensive that you.  
Get over it and be the professional. 

David Ilvedson, RPT

Date sent:      	Sun, 9 Jan 2000 19:57:03 -0500
To:             	pianotech@ptg.org
From:           	staytuned@idirect.com (John Lillico, RPT)
Subject:        	Tuning in where it is
Send reply to:  	pianotech@ptg.org

> Credos to Terry Beckingham for bringing pianos in northern Manitoba to A440. 
> 
> Some years ago, a Council of the Piano Technicians Guild at an annual convention endorsed A440 as the standard. 
> 
> Why are many of us not living up to it, whenever possible?
> 
> Another thought....  If a piano is concert pitch-worthy, it will come up to pitch now!  I've heard tell of pitch-raising being done "gradually" over a four or five appointment span. Nonsense!  Let's find out NOW before the student becomes a grandparent!
> 
> John Lillico, RPT
> Oakville, Ontario, Canada
> 
> 
> 


David Ilvedson, RPT
Pacifica, CA
ilvey@jps.net